You CAN be healthy at work!

   
Long working hours, lunch at your desk, and coughing co-workers make it hard to stay healthy and fit. Shorter, colder days add to the challenge. With obesity on the rise and new strains of viruses and bacteria emerging, it's more important than ever to be vigilant about your health!  Here are a few tips you can try:

1)  Get your sleep!  Sleep rejuvenates your body, mind and spirit.  Shoot for 8 hours.

2)  Bring your lunch from home!  This not only saves you money, but gives you options to choose healthy meals before the inevitable happens.  Left overs from the dinner the night before are a simple solution.

3)  Check your posture.  Bad posture while sitting at your desk can lead to weak and over strained muscles - leading to costly doctor visits.  Knees should be at a 90 degree angle, feet flat on the floor (get a stool if you cant reach) - arms should not be over extended but resting easily with wrists supported.  Monitor should be at a level where you do not have to look up, but rather comfortably ahead of you. 

4)  Stand up!  Move around - instead of emailing, why not personally deliver a message when you can?  Standing burns more calories than sitting, it also allows for proper digestion and circulation.  

5)  Wash your hands often.  Lather up and rinse well - not only after using the restroom, but before and after eating, and right after sneezing or blowing your nose, or just throwing away trash.  Keep hand sanitizer close by and use it frequently.

6)  Exercise - its ok to eat at your desk if you take your lunch to grab a quick walk with friends, even 10-15 minutes of walking a day can decrease your stress,  increase your metabolism, boost your blood flow, and may make you more creative in the workplace!

7)  Snack!  You betcha, eating a handful of nuts or munching down apple slices and a tablespoon of almond butter will keep you energized at work.  You'll also be less likely to over eat at mealtime.

8)  Drink a lot of water.  Make a conscious effort to swig down a lot of water and keep hydrated.  If you drink coffee, make sure you follow it up with a bottle of water!  

9)  Laugh!  Life is not supposed to be serious all of the time.  Smile at someone, make a friend. 


All of these things should help you stay healthy and enjoy your workplace this winter!